Washington, DC— As District of Columbia residents finish filing their taxes on this year’s COVID-delayed tax day, despite being denied full representation in Congress and a voting voice in our American democracy, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“‘No taxation without representation’ was one of the rallying cries as our nation was birthed- it’s the foundation of American democracy. Yet more than 200 years later, the 700,000 residents of the Nation’s Capital, more than 40 percent of whom are Black, pay more money per-capita than any state in the country, and Republican members of Congress continue to deny their full representation. It is unfair, unjust, and perpetuates the legacy of racism and political suppression of people of color. We must do better. It is time for the voices of the people of the District of Columbia to be heard. We urge the Senate to pass DC statehood legislation and for President Biden to sign into law the creation of our 51st state.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.